Stage 4 rectal cancer and spread to liver.

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Thank you 

Sorry that went too soon Helen095  but welcome just the same .

I am so sorry to hear that you did not get picked up earlier . Too many young people experiencing the same as you .

However we are here to support you . Do you have a treatment plan in place yet ? 
https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/bowel-colon-rectum-cancer-forum/f/new-here-say-hello/271771/43-bowel-cancer-liver-lesions-and-scared

I am also going to link you into this thread as it might be good to connect with other who are facing treatment . Forming a support network helps reduce the isolation.

I would imagine it’s perfectly normal to feel incredibly angry . I am not an angry person but I was filled with it when I heard my mum had bowel cancer spread to her liver but never had a single symptom . I was shocked by the emotions I felt . I was not even the patient. However Macmillan has teamed up with Bupa to offer six free counselling sessions for patients . 

Our helpline has all the details if you wish .0808 808 0000.

They are also there just to have a chat or give advice on benefits and support that might be available or to talk through the parenting aspects whilst going through treatment.

I do remember the tone of the conversations when a spread is involved however there is a subgroup who do respond well to chemo . My mum is still here 14 years later as she mounted a great response .

Connect with Star74  too as she is three years into treatment and still and amazing mum .

Take special care ,

Court 

That's the thing I didn't feel very supported at my consultation it was like this is what you have, we can't do much with it so take it as you can.. although mentioned I qualify for something called immunotherapy or something similar to that which apparently someone will discuss with me at some point just god knows when ... I've seen a lot of different various stories which give me some faith I just hope I'm heard enough this time! Thank you for responding to me I'm so glad your mum has made such progress I lost my mum 2 years ago due to a loss with cervical cancer 

I am so sorry to hear you have lost your mum. That’s particularly hard too .

They are inclined to be very measured at the beginning until they see what response you get but take heart , that tone can change and we have seen some pretty good results with immunotherapy coming through .

However I think you will find that actual chemo suits more encouraging. Been through a few of them with my mum and the staff really are helpful. .

I am still connected to a lot of stage 4 patients that are continuing to do well despite the diagnosis initially.

Its a toe by toe journey but there is still some hope for sure .

Take care ,

Court 

Hi Helen095 ,

I'm so sorry to hear of your diagnosis as such a young age.  I was a lot older than you but even at 46 I was dismissed many times with a diagnosis of piles, it was during covid and I couldn't get a colonoscopy for 6 months.  Someone was looking down on me though as I got a call from the hospital with an urgent referral so I can only presume the Dr had another look at my case.

I was told at the beginning that I had extensive spread to the liver and that an operation would be highly unlikely.  I started chemo and was lucky to have a great response and I'm happy to have proved them wrong, I went on to have a liver op 2 years ago which is still clear.

Immunotherapy can be a game changer, you may find it useful to have a look at the Facebook group Living with Stage 4 - Bowel Cancer UK.  There are over 1k members and there are a few on there who have had great results with immunotherapy and continue to do well.

It's an angry time at the moment but you'll find your fight.  I'm the meantime, try to be as healthy as possible and exercise if you can.  Its hard with kids but they are a great distraction, my two def keep me going.  Let us know when you hear what the plan is.

Take care,

Michelle  x

I'm so sorry you've had such a despondent start, however, there is still hope.   You'll feel better once you have a plan and get the first treatment under your belt.  The chemo nurses are lovely, you'll be well looked after.  Did they give you a CNS (Colorectal Nurse Specialist)?  They can be a great point of contact, I'm always bugging mine! 

Thank you so much for all your messages it's been lifting ! 

I am due to see an oncologist next week so I'm really hoping an option they have will be some hope ! My liver is the biggest concern as originally it was just some spread to being told my whole liver is now taken over but it's function is okay at the moment. I'll definitely check out the page thank you for that. Unfortunately I haven't found my CNS particularly comforting she's very abrupt usual doesn't call when she says then when she does it feels very rushed especially since my full diagnosis it's like your on the back burner once your stage 4.. hopefully once I attend the next appointment i can be more prepared to be heard. Thank you for taking the time to respond on my post it's really appreciated.. kids are a great distraction for sure but I'm struggling at the moment to still be mummy not just want to be his best friend ️

Sorry I have no idea where all the heart symbols came from ! 

That's good, get all your questions ready for next week.  Are you taking someone with you, I always feel a bit lost for words at the meetings so it's handy to have another pair of ears.  Hopefully they'll come up with a plan and you can get started. 

My liver was also the priority, to this day I haven't dared look at the scan pics!  That's good your liver function is good, I drink beetroot juice to keep it healthy and the liver loves protein so shakes are good, particularly if you don't have much of an appetite on chemo.

Try not to get overwhelmed, one step at a time.  And, do not Google, the stats and info is very outdated. X